The revival of Legally Blonde on Amazon Prime Video has sparked a range of reactions, from scathing criticism to enthusiastic praise. The series, set in 1995 Seattle, follows Elle Woods, a high-school junior, as she navigates a new environment after her family is forced to move. While some critics have slammed it as 'boring and tedious' or 'half-baked', others have praised it as a 'sparkling good time'.
One of the key issues with the revival is its lack of originality. The series is criticized for focusing on 'tired teen drama' and a 'lazy mystery', with some reviewers suggesting that it fails to capture the 'sheer sharpness' of the original film. The writing is also seen as 'deliberately half-baked', with a lack of 'killer gags' and a 'gently amusing' tone that falls flat. However, some critics have applauded the performance of Lexi Minetree, who plays Elle Woods, describing it as 'astoundingly good' and 'cracking comic timing'.
The revival also faces criticism for its cultural blind spots, with references to Nirvana and 'victim-blaming' being seen as out of touch with the era. However, some reviewers have praised the show for its commitment to the time period, with a 90s soundtrack and references to Blockbuster and Microsoft money. The series is also seen as a 'lighthearted, bingeable' show that, despite its flaws, is 'nothing if not committed' to its premise.
In my opinion, the revival of Legally Blonde is a mixed bag. While it may not live up to the original film, it is a fun and entertaining show that has its moments of charm and humour. The performance of Lexi Minetree is particularly impressive, and the show's commitment to the time period is commendable. However, the lack of originality and cultural blind spots are disappointing, and the revival may not satisfy diehard fans of the original. Ultimately, the series is a 'sparkling good time' for those who can get past its flaws and enjoy a lighthearted escape.
